Maria Zednikova | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Maria Zednikova | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS | Czech Republic

Profiles

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Mária Zedníková began her academic journey in chemical engineering with a master’s degree followed by a doctoral degree, both from the Institute of Chemical Technology in Prague. Her strong foundational training laid the groundwork for her subsequent focus in multiphase systems, fluid mechanics, and process engineering. These formative years were marked by deep engagement with core engineering principles and practical laboratory experience, which shaped her research orientation toward hydrodynamics and gas-liquid interactions.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Zedníková’s professional career is deeply rooted in the Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals (ICPF), where she has steadily progressed from junior researcher to research scientist and eventually to a leadership role as Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Head of the Research Group for Multiphase Reactors. Her trajectory reflects both scientific depth and leadership capacity. She has also taken on academic responsibilities as a teacher at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, expanding her influence to the educational sphere. Notably, her international experience includes collaborative research stays in the United Kingdom and Italy, reflecting her commitment to cross-border scientific exchange and cooperation.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zedníková’s research is centered on multiphase flow systems with a special emphasis on gas-liquid interactions, bubble dynamics, and mass transfer phenomena. Her work delves into the complex behaviors of bubbles and drops in turbulent environments, investigating how these particles deform, break up, and interact with fluid structures. She has developed theoretical models and experimental setups to study hydrodynamics, drop-particle collisions, and surfactant effects on fluid interfaces. Additionally, her research in stirred tank reactors and gas-lift systems addresses crucial industrial applications in chemical processing, biotechnology, and environmental engineering.

Impact and Influence

Her influence is visible both through her scholarly output and her engagement with the broader scientific community. Dr. Zedníková has authored 30 original research papers, the majority of which appear in peer-reviewed, high-impact journals. She has also contributed a chapter to a scientific monograph and holds a registered utility model. Her active presence at international conferences with over 90 contributions demonstrates her role in advancing and disseminating knowledge in her field. Furthermore, her involvement in national and international research projects as both leader and team member has positioned her as a respected figure in collaborative scientific networks.

Academic Citations and Recognition

With an H-index of 14 and nearly 700 citations most of which are from independent researchers Dr. Zedníková has established a significant academic footprint. Her research is regularly cited by peers, which confirms the value and relevance of her work in the scientific community. The Best Poster Award from the European Federation of Chemical Engineering and her active membership in professional societies and scientific committees further highlight her recognition and contributions on both national and European platforms.

Technical Skills

Dr. Zedníková possesses extensive technical expertise in experimental design, fluid flow diagnostics, multiphase reactor modeling, and mass transfer analysis. Her work includes advanced techniques for measuring bubble deformation, analyzing flow regimes, and modeling surfactant behavior in dynamic fluid systems. Her ability to integrate theoretical modeling with experimental validation distinguishes her technical acumen in the chemical engineering domain.

Teaching Experience

As an educator, Dr. Zedníková has taken a leading role in a wide range of chemical engineering subjects. She has conducted lectures and seminars on fluid mechanics, chemical technologies, process projects, and laboratory courses. Her engagement in mentoring includes the supervision of over 20 master’s, bachelor’s, and internship students. This dedication to teaching complements her research activities and ensures knowledge transfer to the next generation of engineers and scientists.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Zedníková’s career reflects a consistent drive for scientific innovation, education, and leadership. Her multidisciplinary collaborations, international exposure, and applied research make her a role model in the engineering sciences. Looking ahead, her ongoing research on bubble dynamics, reactor hydrodynamics, and surfactant behavior is expected to contribute significantly to chemical process optimization and sustainability. Her involvement in international committees and editorial boards also sets the stage for continued influence in shaping research agendas and policy in chemical engineering.

Notable Publications

  • Dynamic regimes in granular mixing: Effect of sliding friction and stirrer rotational frequency
    Authors: Martin Kozakovic, David Kramolis, Maria Zednikova, Stanislav Parez, Jaromir Havlica
    Journal: Powder Technology
    Year: 2025

  • Size distribution of daughter bubbles or drops resulting from binary breakup due to random initial deformation conditions
    Authors: Maria Zednikova, Petr Stanovsky, Sandra Orvalho
    Journal: Separation and Purification Technology
    Year: 2025

  • Gas phase behaviour in environment of fermentation processes
    Authors: Adrián Žák, Lukáš Valenz, Tomáš Moucha, Maria Zednikova
    Journal: Chemical Engineering Research and Design
    Year: 2025

  • Viscosity influence on hydrodynamics behaviour in a stirred tank reactor
    Authors: Adrián Žák, Mária Zedníková, Tomáš Moucha
    Journal: Chemical Engineering Research and Design
    Year: 2025

  • Surfactant effect on bubble deformation and breakup after interaction with vortex structure
    Authors: Maria Zednikova, Tereza Semlerová, Sandra Orvalho, Jaromir Havlica, Jaroslav Tihon
    Journal: Chemical Engineering Science
    Year: 2025

Conclusion

Dr. Mária Zedníková is a highly accomplished chemical engineering researcher with deep expertise in multiphase flow systems and hydrodynamics. Her balanced portfolio of research, teaching, leadership, and international collaboration reflects a dynamic and impactful career. Her academic and professional journey illustrates a strong commitment to advancing both fundamental science and its practical applications. She stands out as a leading figure in her field, with a legacy that is poised to grow in the coming years.

Zhenzhao Pei | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Prof. Zhenzhao Pei | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Hebei University of Engineering, China 

Profiles

Scopus Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Zhenzhao Pei embarked on his academic journey with an exceptional foundation in chemical engineering. He earned his Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where his outstanding performance earned him the Outstanding Graduate Award—a prestigious accolade that foreshadowed a distinguished career. Following this, he broadened his research horizons as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Chemistry at Tsinghua University, working under the mentorship of renowned chemist Prof. Wang Xun. His global academic exposure expanded further with a visiting scholar position at California State University, Long Beach School, USA, enriching his perspective on international scientific practices.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Pei currently serves as a Professor and Director of Chemical Engineering at Hebei University of Engineering, where he has assumed numerous leadership roles. He is the Director of the Chemical Engineering Research Institute, and leads the Chemical Process Safety Research Team. In addition, he plays a pivotal role as the Discipline Leader of the Chemical Engineering Program, shaping the academic and strategic direction of the department.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Pei’s research portfolio spans key domains such as Novel Chemical Process Design, Industrial Catalysis and Reaction Engineering, Advanced Separation Technologies, and Environmental Chemical Engineering. His innovative work bridges the gap between fundamental chemical theory and real-world industrial applications, making his research highly relevant to both academia and the chemical industry. His contribution to chemical process safety, in particular, has established him as a thought leader in developing safer and more sustainable engineering solutions.

Impact and Influence

With over 40 research papers published, including more than 30 indexed in SCI journals, Dr. Pei has made a notable mark in leading publications like Fuel and Applied Surface Science. His research has supported more than 20 national and provincial-level grants, including funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Hebei Provincial Fund. Beyond academia, he has also collaborated extensively with industry, contributing to a number of high-impact R&D projects, showcasing the practical value of his work.

Academic Cites and Recognition

Dr. Pei’s scholarly output has been well-received by the academic community. While citation metrics are not listed, his publication in prestigious journals and sustained funding indicate a significant scholarly presence. His expertise has been further recognized by his appointment as a member of the Hebei Provincial Patent Expert Committee, and his leadership as the former Chair of the Postdoctoral Association of Chemistry at Tsinghua University.

Technical Skills and Expertise

His technical expertise encompasses chemical process engineering, catalysis, environmental technology, and separation science. His research is often characterized by the integration of theoretical modeling with experimental validation, ensuring high precision and practical relevance. Dr. Pei is also adept at leading multidisciplinary teams, managing large-scale research initiatives, and mentoring young scientists in advanced chemical methodologies.

Teaching Experience and Mentorship

As a professor and academic leader, Dr. Pei is deeply committed to education and mentorship. He is responsible for curriculum design, program coordination, and the supervision of undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. students. Through his teaching, he instills a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles, while also fostering innovation and critical thinking among students.

Legacy and Future Contributions

With an already distinguished track record, Dr. Zhenzhao Pei continues to expand his influence in the fields of chemical process safety and sustainable industrial chemistry. His leadership in integrating environmental concerns into chemical engineering design positions him as a catalyst for future green innovations. Looking ahead, his continued collaboration with industry and academia promises further advancements in clean technology, process optimization, and environmental sustainability.

Notable Publications

Synthesis of low-temperature NH₃-SCR catalysts for MnOx with high SO₂ resistance using redox-precipitation method with mixed manganese sources
Authors: Zhenzhao Pei, Haiyang Zhao, Haipeng Wang, Guangxi Yu, Hao Wu
Journal: Applied Surface Science
Year: 2025

Influences of glycerol-assisted ultrasonic modification on the ultra-low temperature NH₃-SCR MnFeOx catalysts
Authors: Zhenzhao Pei, Zhuyue Fu, Haipeng Wang, Haoran Ni, Tao Guo
Journal: Fuel
Year: 2025

Investigation on denitrification performance of microwave synthesized high-efficiency MnOx catalysts for low-temperature NH₃-SCR
Authors: Zhenzhao Pei, Haipeng Wang, Haiyang Zhao, Chengye He, Zhuo Ji
Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds
Year: 2024

 

Feili Li | Environmental Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Ms. Feili Li | Environmental Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Zhejiang University of Technology, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Analysis from the Chinese University of Geosciences, Wuhan, in 1994. Her passion for analytical chemistry led her to complete a Master's degree in 1997 under the guidance of Prof. Zhong-yi Zhao, focusing on the determination of metals in geological samples through solid-phase reflection spectrophotometry. She later earned her Ph.D. in Environmental Geochemistry in 2008 from the prestigious Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), where she studied the biogeochemical behavior of heavy metals in karst-area vegetable soils and their implications for green vegetable production.

👩‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

She has been a cornerstone at Zhejiang University of Technology, progressing from an assistant role in 1997 to her current designation as Professor and Doctoral Tutor. Her professional milestones include pioneering research in environmental chemistry and biogeochemical behavior, contributing significantly to the understanding of heavy metals in agricultural systems.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Her expertise lies in environmental monitoring, heavy metal stabilization, and pollutant traceability. Her notable inventions include patented methods for heavy metal stabilization and innovative materials for environmental protection. She has published authoritative textbooks, such as Environmental Monitoring and Introduction to Environmental Protection, cementing her influence in the academic domain.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Her work has profound implications for environmental sustainability. Her findings on heavy metal behavior in soil and water systems have informed both academic discourse and practical applications. She has been instrumental in environmental impact assessments for large-scale industrial and municipal projects, fostering sustainable development practices in China.

🏅 Academic Achievements and Citations

She has been honored with multiple teaching quality awards and prizes for her contributions to multimedia teaching and urban sewage treatment research. Her work has earned recognition in the form of second prizes at prestigious science and technology awards in Zhejiang Province.

🛠️ Technical Skills

She is proficient in advanced analytical and environmental chemistry techniques, including spectrophotometry, heavy metal stabilization methodologies, and organic framework synthesis. Her ability to bridge laboratory findings with real-world applications highlights her technical acumen.

🎓 Teaching Excellence

A dedicated educator, Dr. Li has taught key courses like Environmental Chemistry and Environmental Monitoring since 1998. She also developed frontier pollution control technology curricula for graduate students, sharing her expertise internationally in 2015. Her guidance has led numerous Ph.D. and Master’s students to academic success.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Her enduring legacy lies in her multifaceted contributions to environmental science, education, and sustainable technology. Her research continues to shape eco-friendly practices, while her mentorship cultivates the next generation of scientists. Her future focus remains on reducing environmental pollutants and advancing innovative solutions for a greener world.

📖Notable Publications

 

Sicong Ma | Theoretical and Computational Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sicong Ma | Theoretical and Computational Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Sicong Ma, born in March 1992, began his academic journey with a strong foundation in applied chemistry at the China University of Petroleum (Beijing), where he completed his Bachelor of Science in 2013. He continued at the same institution for a Master's degree in Chemistry, working under the guidance of Professor Zhen Zhao until 2016. His academic path led him to Fudan University, where he earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry in 2019 under Professor Zhi-Pan Liu. Here, he developed his expertise in theoretical and computational chemistry, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to catalysis and machine learning.

🏢 Professional Endeavors

After completing his Ph.D., He joined Fudan University as a postdoctoral researcher, continuing his work with Professor Zhi-Pan Liu until 2021. In August 2021, he joined the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry as an Assistant Researcher. Recently promoted to Associate Professor, He has led several projects funded by prestigious institutions, including the National Natural Science Excellent Youth Fund, Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission, and the China Postdoctoral Fund.

🔍 Contributions and Research Focus

His research interests span a unique blend of machine learning and catalysis. His expertise extends across both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, with a particular focus on: Machine Learning and Heterogeneous Catalysis: He has conducted research on syngas-to-olefins conversions on OX-ZEO catalysts, propane hydrogenation, and similar transformations, Machine Learning and Homogeneous Catalysis: His work includes studies on the carbonylation of olefins and the development of a metal-phosphine ligand catalyst database, Zeolite Chemistry: He is also active in studying the mechanisms of zeolite formation and their applications in catalysis, contributing significantly to zeolite-related database construction.

📈 Impact and Influence

He has made substantial contributions to the field, publishing more than 20 papers in renowned journals such as Nature Catalysis, Nature Communications, and ACS Catalysis. Notably, he has served as first or corresponding author on 15 of these publications, solidifying his role as a leader in his field. His work has garnered attention and citations, reflecting his influence within theoretical and computational chemistry.

📚 Academic Achievements and Honors

Recognized for his academic excellence, He has received numerous awards and honors. He was honored with the Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Award from Fudan University in 2019, recognized as an Academic Star of Fudan University the same year, and awarded a Shanghai Super Postdoctoral Fellowship. Recently, he was inducted as a member of the Youth Innovation Promotion Association by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2023.

🛠️ Technical Skills

His technical expertise includes advanced machine learning algorithms for catalysis, computational modeling in chemistry, and extensive knowledge of catalysis mechanisms in both homogeneous and heterogeneous systems. His computational skills and programming knowledge enable him to create and manage large databases, crucial for his projects on zeolite and catalyst-related data.

📖 Teaching and Mentoring Experience

While focused primarily on research, He has also contributed to the academic community by mentoring postdocs and junior researchers in his lab. His guidance fosters a collaborative environment, ensuring that emerging researchers develop the skills necessary to advance in computational chemistry and catalysis.

🌐 Legacy and Future Contributions

His ongoing work promises to deepen the integration of machine learning in catalysis, with potential implications for sustainable energy solutions and efficient industrial chemical processes. As a young innovator and leader in his field, he is set to make lasting contributions, furthering both academic knowledge and practical applications in computational chemistry.

📖Notable Publications